WESTFIELD RIVER VALLEY MARINE CORPS DETACHMENT THE SCUTTLEBUTT BENEFIT DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS.

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1 March/April 2008 WESTFIELD RIVER VALLEY MARINE CORPS DETACHMENT THE SCUTTLEBUTT C O M M A N D A N T : F C U R N O W S R. V I C E C O M M A N D A N T : B D U P E E J R. V I C E C O M M A N D A N T : J D Y M O N A D J U T A N T / P A Y M A S T E R : J R U T O V I C H J U D G E A D V O C A T E : T P I R N I E S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : BENEFIT DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS. > Commandants Message > Pictures from Benefit Dinner > News, Raffles, Events. > News for VETS Dr. Thomas Pirnie and doc Rivette sell raffle tickets Next Meeting is April 14th, Social Hour at Meeting starts at Please attend your Meeting Good Food, Good Friends, and Good Times. This was the overall feeling of a great event a Alexander s Restaurant in Feeding Hills, MA. On February 23rd, from 1630 to Alexander s Restaurant served many starving Marines and Friends to help benefit the activities of the Westfield River Valley Marine Corps League. 161 Tickets were sold. The menu was a Stuffed Pork Buffet Dinner. Through out the evening Marines from the League were selling tickets and also selling some great door prize tickets. The prize for the raffle was $187. More Pictures can be found on page 5 of this edition of the Scuttlebutt,

2 Page 2 CALENDER OF EVENTS Date Time Location Event April Barracks MCL Meeting April Blackstone Valley Department Meeting May 11 Home Mother s Day May Barracks MCL Meeting May 17 United States Armed Forces Day May Charles Shutt Department Meeting Westfield River Valley Marine Corps League. All Hands, Own a piece of History. Detachment 141 will be conducting a raffle for a WW II Carbine,.30 Cal. We hope that you will assist us in purchasing tickets so that we can generate a good amount of donations for our Detachment. Please contact Joe Dymon at for Details. H and R.58 Cal. Black Powered Rifle Available. Call Sr. Vice B for details. Offered by Military order of Devil Dogs, Quabbin Valley Pound 276. April Quad State Convention, South Portland, Maine Charter on Nov We have members consisting of Former and Present Marines and FMF Corpsmen, and Associate Members Consisting of other military branches. We are a non-profit organization that supports many activities within our area. We are the host Detachment to the Westover Young Marines. Attend a meeting as our guest of a member and consider joining us as a member. Come visit us any Saturday morning. Meet your fellow Marines and Corpsmen. Enjoy the Continuation of our Brotherhood. Attend the Meeting and win a prize. Bring this coupon with you to the ext Meeting on April 14th, your name will be entered into a raffle for a great prize. ame: Editor: Michael J Burke Mikebgft@aol.com

3 Page 3 MESSAGE FROM COMMANDANT CURNOW February has flown by even with an extra day. Made the trip to Boston to march in Iwo Jima Day parade accompanied by Marines J.R., Shannon, Hoekstra, Gadoua. An excellent showing overall with beautiful weather which included some really good winds on Beacon Street. A good number of WW II Iwo veterans were there with a number who had served in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Makes me proud to be in the company of such Marines. The Fundraiser at Alexander s Restaurant on Feb 16, went very well with over 160 tickets sold and many happy faces on the raffle winners. The winner took home $187 this year. Not Bad! And a mighty oorah to Barry for having us over again. A number of people inquired about making it a regular event. Why not, we are at 2 in a row now. Also in the audience was our Division Vice Commandant Gore, The Easthampton American Legion was represented and a large number of visitors from several different towns. That s it for now. See everyone at the next meeting on March 10 Semper Fi. Fran Curnow Commandant Francis Curnow Thank you to Mrs. Maryann Burke for donating the paper and ink for the printing of the Scuttlebutt Thank You to our sponsors!

4 Page 4 Five Years of VA Health Care for Combat Vets PR Newswire February 27, 2008 WASHINGTON -- Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. "By their service and their sacrifice, America's newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA's world-class health care," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -- even decades later -- for medical care for service-connected health problems. The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefits -- previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -- to 180 days. Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care. The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service. Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

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6 Page 6 Feb 14 I attended the public hearing before the joint committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs. These are hearings of this committee to gather information and look for support for their bills. They will take this info and come out with their final recommendation as to weather or not they will introduce a bill before the floor of the legislature. There were nine bills discussed in all. I will summarize as best I can what they were. H Exact no fee parking meter fee or give a parking ticket to vehicles that are owned and driven by: 1- Legion of Valor of the USA, 2- Congressional Medal of Honor, 3- Purple Heart, 4- Silver or Bronze Star. I spoke in favor of this bill and asked that 100% DAV be given a Fast Pass for the Mass Pike at no fee or charges for its use. S 2135 & 2136 Money from the Veterans License Plates all goes to the Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. As it stands now some of the money goes into the State General fund. Also the VA reimburses the PR Newswire February 27, 2008 WASHINGTON -- Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. "By their service and their sacrifice, America's newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA's world-class health care," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions NEWS FOR VETERANS ARTICLES AT THE STATE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES State for 65% of the cost for improvements to these facilities. The bill would establish a trust fund for this money to be used for the facilities not to have it go into the general fund. H 2139 Authorizes certain public employees to receive creditable service time for time in the Armed Services. This bill would put in the word honorable before military discharge. It would allow Reservists and National Guard people to receive credit for their time on active duty. It would be a local option decision. H Increase the $300 stipend provided for certain veterans at the time of their retirement to $600. S 2140 Increase the annual retirement bonus allowance for veterans from $15 to $50 per year of creditable service, not to exceed $1,000. S 2141 Provide employment protection for Disabled Veterans and Veterans who are not members of Civil Service. This would give protection to veterans related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -- even decades later -- for medical care for service-connected health problems. The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefits -- previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -- to 180 days. Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took employment protection from layoffs and bumping. I spoke on this bill. As a teacher in Boston not covered under civil service but a public employee, I was laid off in If I had not served my country in Viet Nam, I would have had enough time in the system to maintain my job. As teachers are not a pro-veteran organization I was left out in the cold. S 2145 The Department of Veterans Services should review the adequacy of vets benefits as they relate to real estate exemptions and come back with recommendations to the General Court. S 2137 Add Memorial Day to the list of special holidays on which retail stores shall not be opened for business. That was it for the day. Now time will tell what they will do. Semper Fi, Griff FIVE YEARS OF VA HEALTH CARE FOR COMBAT VETS advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care. The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans who take advantage of this five -year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service. Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

7 Page 7 THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS JOINT COMMITTEE ON VETERANS & FEDERAL AFFAIRS Room 173, State House, Boston, MA Tel. (617) Fax (617) REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY J. VERGA SENATOR THOMAS M. McGEE 5 TH Essex District Third Essex & Middlesex House Chair Senate Chair MASSACHUSETTS ADOPTS LEGISLATIO DESIG ED TO IMPROVE STATE S ME TAL HEALTH CARE FOR VETERA S Boston Today, a Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs bill, establishing a special commission to examine the effects of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan on Massachusetts service members, became law. This is the first time the state has established such a commission since the one formed in 1981 to examine the needs of Vietnam War veterans. In Massachusetts, nearly 29,000 service members have returned home since September 11, 2001, including 5,869 members of the Massachusetts National Guard. Last year, the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss issues of veterans mental health and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A recent report from the Institute of Medicine finds that 25% of returning Iraq/Afghanistan combat veterans will face mental health problems. Yet of those needing care, it is estimated that only 27% will seek treatment at a VA medical center. While the Department of Veterans Affairs has refused to classify the increasing suicide rates among Iraq and Afghan veterans as an epidemic, the suicide rate of Army soldiers in 2007 has more than doubled since House Bill 4526, Establishing a Special Commission to Study the Hidden Wounds of War on Returning Massachusetts Service Members, was sponsored by Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee House Chairman, Representative Anthony Verga (D-Gloucester), We must not forget that there are wounds that are not visible, said Verga. A soldier s battle does not necessarily end when the tour of duty ends. We have an obligation to our service members and their families to care for those who have cared for us. Too many have fallen between the cracks of bureaucratic red tape, but we in Massachusetts have an opportunity to make legislative changes to stop this inexcusable betrayal to those who have worn the uniform. Family members of Massachusetts veterans who took their own lives after emotional battles with posttraumatic stress disorder testified in support of the legislation. Specifically, the 15-member Commission is tasked to examine three initiatives: 1) the establishment of a mandatory mental health treatment program for national guard members, 2) a state military family leave policy for primary caregivers of returning service members, and 3) a statewide education training program to assist law enforcement, corrections officers and other first responders in recognizing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Senate Chair of the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee, Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), said, Our men and women returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan have faced incredible challenges abroad, and will also be faced with incredible challenges at home. We know that many soldiers coming back struggle with emotional and psychological wounds, in addition to physical ones. The commission, championed by Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) and Representative Verga, will ensure that policy-makers are well informed of the extent to which our veterans are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and make certain that those afflicted by PTSD receive the treatment and support they deserve. The Commission, charged with making its recommendations to the legislature by September 15, 2008, will consist of members of the Senate and House, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, the Commissioner of Probation, the Secretary of Veterans Services, and five members appointed by the Governor, including representatives of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association, the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

8 Westfield River Valley Marine Corps League Detachment North Elm Street Westfield, MA